My Daily Driver



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by Bobby McCarthy
Copyright (c), 2003, My Daily Driver -- All Rights Reserved

I was driving my car last week; an old Plymouth, in the navigator seat was my buddy. I was chauffeuring him to a neighboring state to look at a vintage car. He had been meticulously searching for the right car for some time and I would to tag along any chance I got. Driving a vintage car to check out another vintage car that's for sale, is one of my favorite things. I love pulling up in my 1974 Plymouth and seeing the look on the potential seller's face. Have you ever had an old car for sale and a couple of "adults" climb out of a stout hot-rod to take a look? You know you're doomed. They'll find any flaws, hasty repairs or nagging trouble spots and beat you up on the price. If I'm selling an old car, I much prefer the dreamy-eyed, going through mid-life crisis, had a car just like this when they were in high school and "gotta have it no matter how much it costs" type person than someone like me or my buddy showing up.

So there we were, motoring up the highway and practicing our "good cop, bad cop" routine. Since my buddy was the potential purchaser, he would be the "good cop", that left me to be the "bad cop." If you've never done this, give it a try next time your car shopping. I, the "bad cop", will find any tiny imperfection and scowl, groan and say "Ahh, man…I don't know about this... how much are you asking again?" Meanwhile, my buddy, the "good cop", will sit inside, rub the dash and interior and look very interested. Now the seller will gravitate to the "good cop."

The seller doesn't want to deal with me. I'm climbing in the trunk, under the hood, clinching a mag-lite in my teeth and repeating "Hmmmm…" as I crawl under, over and around. 2 Guys

Here is the moment that I, the "bad cop" declares, "Well, if I were buying this car, I would offer...." The amount should be nothing short of insulting to the seller. I know, this seems cruel, however it slams the door wide open for the "good cop" to negotiate. Now realize, if you decide to accept the role as the "bad cop", you can never have any dealings with this particular seller ever again. Never. Let's be honest, you have totally insulted them and folks just never forget that. You do not want to bump into them in a bar after they've been drinking all day. Think about it.

As it turns out, my friend and I did not get the opportunity to exercise our "good cop, bad cop" routine. The advertisement for the vehicle in question was grossly exaggerated. You know the type of ad, "Runs great, needs a little TLC." TLC? What's that mean, Tons of Loot and Cash? The only thing that car could be used for was a hornet's nest or a home for indigenous wild life.

During the long drive home, we chuckled about how one man's treasure is another man's trash. I did make one decision though, on our next car-buying excursion, I wanted to play the "good cop." Less risk involved.

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